Dunkin’ Donuts to open shops in California

CANTON — Dunkin’ Donuts is going to bring its Munchkins, coffee and doughnuts to Southern California.

The chain, owned by Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., said Wednesday that it looking to open locations in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange counties by working with franchisees that run multiple locations.

‘‘Expansion to California has always been part of our plan to grow Dunkin’ Donuts’ presence in the U.S.,’’ Nigel Travis, CEO of Dunkin’ Brands and president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., said in a statement.

It is also hoping to team up with some food service operators that can help bring its food and drinks to places like colleges and universities, casinos, military bases, supermarkets, airports and travel centers.

The company said that it has been expanding in new markets across the U.S. and will also continue to open new restaurants in existing markets. Its long-term goal is to have more than 15,000 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the U.S.

Dunkin’ Donuts opened 291 new restaurants in the U.S. last year. It plans to open 330 to 360 new locations in the U.S. in 2013.

Dunkin’ Brands, which also runs Baskin-Robbins, has more than 10,000 restaurants in 32 countries.

Shares of Dunkin’ Brands, based in Canton, gained 9 cents to $34.11 in morning trading.